A major political realignment appears to be unfolding in Cross River North as Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and other key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) move closer to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senator, who represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, reportedly met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa to formally announce his decision to defect to the APC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Senator Jarigbe’s spokesperson, John Agom, confirmed the development, adding that the lawmaker also met with the APC Chairman in Cross River State, Alphonsus Eba, Esq., to express his readiness to work with the party’s leadership in repositioning its structure in the northern senatorial district.
According to Agom, Senator Jarigbe has already begun mobilising political allies and influential figures in the region to consolidate his move. The defection, if finalised, is expected to reshape the political landscape of Cross River North ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering the constituents and embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings of the zone,” Senator Jarigbe said.
He further assured supporters that consultations with stakeholders would continue to ensure unity and inclusion, adding that “there are better days ahead.”
The senator’s imminent defection adds to a growing wave of political crossovers from the PDP to the APC, with recent notable moves including that of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
Observers say Jarigbe’s defection could strengthen the APC’s presence in Cross River North and alter existing political alignments across the state, setting the stage for an intense contest in the next election cycle.
